917Ventures’ Velocity Program Helps Predikta Prove AI Can Forecast Ad Performance Using Historical Data

Marketers often invest heavily in creative campaigns without clear visibility into which ads will resonate most with audiences. Addressing this challenge, Globe, through 917Ventures’ Velocity program, has collaborated with Netopia AI to validate Predikta, an AI-powered platform that simulates audience behavior and predicts campaign performance before media spend is committed.

Velocity serves as 917Ventures’ innovation platform, connecting high-potential startups with Globe business units to test solutions against real use cases, data, and operational conditions. This structured approach enables startups to refine their technologies in live environments while generating measurable outcomes that support commercial adoption.

As part of the collaboration, Predikta used historical campaign data from AdSpark to conduct blind simulations, forecasting which creatives would perform best. These predictions were then compared against actual campaign results to assess accuracy.

The validation demonstrated strong alignment between Predikta’s forecasts and real-world performance metrics, including click-through rates and cost efficiency. The results highlight the platform’s potential to help marketers make more informed creative decisions, optimize resource allocation, and reduce trial-and-error in campaign execution.

“This is exactly what Velocity was designed to do,” said Vince Yamat, CEO and Managing Director of 917Ventures. “We help startups validate their technology in real enterprise environments and generate evidence that can support commercial adoption.”

For Brave Connective Holdings, the initiative underscores the growing role of predictive artificial intelligence in improving marketing effectiveness. “Seeing data-informed signals earlier can guide the creative ideation process before launch. This can sharpen creative strategy and make media investments more efficient,” said Nikko Acosta, Group CEO and President.

Actual commercial conditions

Netopia AI emphasized the importance of validating its platform within a real enterprise ecosystem. “Working within Globe’s ecosystem allowed us to test Predikta under actual commercial conditions,” said Axel Kornerup, Co-Founder and CEO. “The results demonstrate how behavioral simulation can help marketers make better decisions before they invest.”

Jason Albia, Co-Founder and Chief Scientific and Technology Officer of Netopia AI, highlighted the rigor behind the validation process. “This validation used blind simulations and a robust multi-level framework based on real historical campaigns. That level of rigor is critical to building trust in AI-driven decision-making,” he said.

The collaboration marks one of the first public milestones for Velocity, demonstrating how Globe and 917Ventures are enabling startups to move from promising concepts to scalable, market-ready solutions. It also reinforces Globe’s continued focus on building an innovation ecosystem that delivers tangible business impact for enterprises.

For marketers, the implications are significant: a new approach to testing and optimizing campaigns before launch, improving efficiency, and strengthening return on advertising spend.

For more information about Globe, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/.

PHILSME Attracts 10,000 Entrepreneurs Seeking Genuine Business Connections Beyond Digital Platforms

Manila, Philippines — More than 10,000 entrepreneurs, startup founders, executives, exhibitors, and business professionals gathered at the recently concluded 18th Philippine SME (PHILSME) Business Expo & Conference at the SMX Convention Center Manila, highlighting the continued importance of face-to-face networking and collaboration in today’s increasingly digital business environment.

Carrying the theme “Legacy in Motion: Empowering Growth to the Nation,” the two-day event featured over 190 exhibitors and more than 260 business solutions aimed at supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country. The expo served as a platform for business matching, mentorship sessions, networking opportunities, and entrepreneurship-focused discussions.

Hosted by veteran broadcaster David Celdran, the opening ceremony featured PHILSME CEO and Managing Director Trixie Esguerra-Abrenilla, together with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Blesila Lantayona and several business leaders and sponsors.

Throughout the event, attendees actively participated in conference sessions, consultations, networking spaces, and learning activities. Many entrepreneurs stayed beyond scheduled sessions to exchange ideas, build relationships, and connect directly with mentors and industry experts.

Esguerra-Abrenilla emphasized that PHILSME continues to create an ecosystem where Filipino entrepreneurs can grow together through collaboration, mentorship, and shared opportunities. Meanwhile, DTI Undersecretary Lantayona highlighted the crucial role of MSMEs in national development, stating that the true legacy of businesses is measured not only through profit but also through the positive impact they create for communities and the future of the country.

One of the major highlights of the expo was the launch of the first-ever PHILSME Business Magazine, introduced by PHILSME Media Director Angie Quadra-Balibay. The publication aims to showcase the stories, experiences, and defining moments behind Filipino entrepreneurs and enterprises.

The event also featured a Media Presser discussing financing accessibility, AI-powered business tools, digital payments, and marketing visibility for MSMEs. Industry representatives from GCash for Business, Adobe, Skyro, and Esquire Financing shared valuable insights about business growth and innovation.

Several notable speakers also took the stage, including motivational entrepreneur Bo Sanchez, Blogapalooza founder Ace Gapuz, and tax educator Ed Cervantes, among others.

As digital transformation continues to reshape industries, the success of the 18th PHILSME Business Expo demonstrated that entrepreneurs still value real-world spaces where mentorship, collaboration, and meaningful business conversations happen organically.

VITRO and BBIX Enrich the Philippines’ IX Ecosystem Through Strategic Direct Peering

VITRO Inc., the country’s first and largest data center service provider, has partnered with BBIX Philippines Inc. to establish a direct peering connection between BBIX and the VITRO Internet Exchange (VIX)—marking a significant step toward strengthening the country’s digital ecosystem.

The partnership centers on enabling more efficient traffic exchange through direct peering, allowing enterprises connected to both BBIX and VIX to benefit from improved routing, reduced latency, and enhanced access to content and digital services.

As part of the collaboration, an initial 100G network-to-network interconnection has been deployed at VITRO Makati 2, providing a high-capacity, scalable platform for traffic exchange. This interconnection is expected to expand in line with traffic growth and evolving demand.

VIX brings to the partnership its strong local ecosystem, including access to over 98 million internet users in the Philippines, alongside a growing base of enterprises, carriers, and hyperscalers hosted within VITRO’s carrier-neutral data centers. Its strategic locations enable proximity to end users, improving performance and service delivery.

Complementing this, BBIX contributes its global peering expertise and a rich and massive ecosystem of content from cloud service providers, content platforms, content delivery networks (CDNs), and other technology solution providers. This enables more efficient traffic flow, reduced latency, and improved access to both regional and international content—ultimately elevating the overall Filipino user experience.

By directly interconnecting BBIX and VIX, both exchanges are able to complement each other’s strengths—addressing gaps in connectivity, optimizing traffic routes, and enhancing the overall efficiency of the internet ecosystem in the Philippines.

“Through this direct peering partnership with BBIX, we are enriching the country’s digital ecosystem in a way that delivers more seamless and responsive online experiences for Filipinos,” said Gary F. Ignacio, Chief Commercial Officer of VITRO Inc. “By strengthening how traffic is exchanged between networks, we are improving access to content, enhancing performance, and enabling businesses and communities to better participate in the digital economy.”

BBIX Philippines Inc. continues to pursue its vision of bridging the digital divide across the Philippines’ many islands by bringing high-quality internet exchange services closer to users.

“Our goal is to bring the power of the internet closer to every Filipino,” said Toya Oba, General Manager, BBIX PH. “Through our direct peering with VITRO IX, we can deliver more efficient and reliable connectivity that supports the growing demand for digital services in the country.”

As demand for data, cloud, and content continues to rise, VITRO and BBIX remain committed to advancing internet exchange infrastructure—ensuring a more connected, efficient, and resilient digital future for the Philippines.

From AI to Connecting the Palengke: Globe Unveils Lifeline Offers During the Energy Crisis

Amidst the ongoing energy crisis, Globe unveils new mobile and Globe At Home offers to help customers cope with the current challenges. The Blueprint, a quarterly media briefing held on May 26, 2026, at The Globe Tower, aptly themed “Keep Going with Globe,” showcased new connectivity products to serve as a lifeline for many Filipinos.

Connectivity that knows you

Globe launched its own Globe Cloud service, offering customers a backup system at a lower price than most cloud services. Now, customers can secure files and preserve photos with flexible storage plans at very affordable prices. The service also comes with features like Flashback and AI‑powered editing that make reliving moments effortless.

To allow every Filipino access to artificial intelligence, Globe launched its AI Fiesta that brings together leading AI models in one platform. No need for expensive subscription fees, the AI Fiesta offers budget-friendly access to any AI platform available. The service is perfect for students, creators, SMEs, and entrepreneurs. By unifying multiple AI platforms, customers now have a choice which AI works for them, also saving valuable time since a single prompt can generate outputs equivalent to more than five separate prompts, all under one economical “sachet” service.

Another new product is Instagram Basic that keeps users connected, enabling seamless promo purchases or personalized top‑ups directly within the app. With features like data loans through the in-app Mobile Center, it serves as a digital fuel subsidy, helping Filipinos stay online for both social and everyday needs, and smoothly transition back to the full Instagram experience once data top-up is restored.

Meanwhile, Globe Prepaid, Postpaid, and Platinum offer emergency loans, roaming assistance, and the conversion of Rewards points into essentials like food and fuel, turning connectivity into a real lifeline during critical times.

Connection that cares for you

Globe AT HOME demonstrates how connectivity extends beyond convenience to genuine care for communities. GFiber Prepaid and GCash transform the traditional palengke, long regarded as a second home for vendors and their suki, into digital marketplaces by providing free WiFi for vendors to access credit and insurance, while shoppers enjoy scan‑to‑pay service.

Globe AT HOME marks a new milestone by empowering Filipino households with an integrated ecosystem of flexible connectivity, sustainable energy, and everyday rewards. Moving beyond traditional internet service, Globe introduces a holistic household care package that addresses evolving economic and lifestyle needs through flexible payment options, green energy solutions, and daily cost‑saving benefits. The company emphasizes that it is not just delivering a router, but building a resilient ecosystem designed to keep families connected, supported, and future‑ready.

GoSafe, Globe’s new campaign under the Globe of Good masterbrand, ensures that digital inclusion is truly meaningful by keeping Filipinos not just connected but safe, informed, and empowered through initiatives like site‑blocking, content filtering, and education programs.

Connection that empowers you

For businesses to thrive in the digital economy, Globe launched its Google Gemini Enterprise for Customer Experience (GE CX). Globe helps enterprises modernize customer engagement through AI‑powered concierges and conversational shopping assistants, turning support into a revenue driver. At the same time, GFiber plans come with Free Vulnerability Assessment Scans, democratizing cybersecurity by bundling high‑speed connectivity with proactive vulnerability scanning, giving businesses the confidence to innovate securely across industries like e‑commerce, healthcare, and finance.

KD Dizon, Globe Chief Marketing Officer, shared: “Connectivity today is no longer just about access, it is about making people feel supported, and about building meaningful connections that strengthen lives. Whether it’s the connection that helps businesses grow, the connection that keeps families secure, or the connection that allows communities to thrive, Globe is committed to being that lifeline. Every day, we strive to give Filipinos the courage and confidence to keep going, with care that uplifts them.”

Globe reaffirms its role as a trusted partner in the everyday journeys of Filipinos. By weaving together innovations that know customers personally, care for their communities, and empower their businesses, Globe is redefining connectivity. It is a source of resilience, progress, and opportunity. As these solutions take root, they signal a breakthrough moment where technology and compassion converge, creating safer and more inclusive spaces that truly help Filipinos to keep going.

For more information, visit www.globe.com.ph.

Binance and BlockShoals Announce Partnership Under the Philippines SEC StratBox Framework

Binance and BlockShoals Technologies Inc. (“BlockShoals”) today announced a partnership in connection with the Strategic Sandbox (StratBox) framework of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of the Philippines.

Binance and BlockShoals appreciate the Philippine SEC’s leadership in establishing the StratBox framework, which provides a controlled and supervised environment for responsible innovation in financial products, services, and technologies.

Following the SEC’s approval of BlockShoals’ StratBox application, BlockShoals, as the StratBox participant, will commence testing activities under the framework, while Binance, as the global exchange partner, will provide the support through its technology infrastructure, product suite, user process, infrastructure-grade security, and user privacy infrastructure, operational expertise, and compliance tools developed across multiple regulated markets globally.

Through the partnership, Binance and BlockShoals will work together to test a tailored Binance platform experience for users in the Philippines within the SEC’s regulatory sandbox.

BlockShoals is moving forward with its approved StratBox testing plan, integrating with a partner virtual asset service provider (VASP) during the initial testing period. With safeguards in place, the company will then launch its full operational rollout — onboarding users and deploying product configurations tailored for the Philippines.

The Philippines continues to emerge as one of Southeast Asia’s most digitally engaged markets, with increasing interest in digital finance, blockchain technology, and digital assets. The country has also consistently ranked among the leading global markets in Chainalysis’ Global Crypto Adoption Index, reflecting growing public engagement with digital asset technologies and services.

The initiative is intended to support responsible innovation in the Philippines by helping build a more secure, locally relevant, and regulated digital asset environment for users. It also reflects a broader commitment to investor protection, market integrity, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations within a controlled testing environment.

The partnership combines BlockShoals’ local market participation and regulatory engagement capabilities with Binance’s global infrastructure and operational experience across international markets.

Seker, Head of APAC at Binance, said, “The Philippines is one of the most dynamic digital economies in Southeast Asia, with a highly engaged and digitally native population that continues to drive adoption of emerging financial technologies. We believe frameworks like StratBox represent an important step in enabling responsible innovation by creating pathways for industry participants and regulators to work together constructively.”

“This partnership is an opportunity to demonstrate that global digital asset platforms and local regulatory frameworks can work together constructively,” said a representative of BlockShoals. “As a Philippine-incorporated company operating under the direct supervision of the SEC, we are focused on building a secure and locally accountable platform for Filipino users. We thank the Commission for the opportunity to participate in the StratBox and are committed to earning continued confidence through our performance.”